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Budapest to The Black Sea River Cruise

Resort:Budapest to The Black Sea River Cruise
Operator: Riviera Travel
Destination: Bulgaria, Croatia, Europe, Hungary, Romania, Serbia
Price From: £3499.00

Overview

On this incredible journey through the Balkans, we start by exploring the stunning sights of Kalocsa, Pecs and Belgrade with its magnificent Kalemegdan Fortress. Then its off to Pleven passing through the Iron Gates Gorge and the Djerdap locks before visiting Bucharest. Known as little Paris this gem of a capital city will capture your heart with its romantic buildings and tree-lined boulevards.

Then we explore the very best of The Danube Delta and enjoy a cruise through Europes largest area of wetlands and marshlands a UNESCO-listed site. From here we see Constanta where you can explore its charming Old Town and museums, Veliko Tarnovo and the village of Arbanassi.

After taking a scenic drive to the spectacular rock formations at Belogradchik we visit Lepenski Vir one of the most important Mesolithic archaeological sites in Serbia before travelling to Novi Sad, Osijek and Vukovar. Finally, we discover the imperial city of two halves Budapest.

Itinerary Details

DAY 1ARRIVAL IN BUDAPEST

ARRIVAL IN BUDAPEST

You fly to Budapest, where a coach transfers you to your five-star cruise ship, moored in this beautiful city. The friendly crew will welcome you on board and help you settle into your spacious, luxuriously appointed suite. The ship remains here overnight, so watch dusk descend over Hungarys capital as you enjoy your first dinner on board.

Budapest to the Black Sea route map Budapest to the Black Sea route map

DAY 2KALOCSA & PECS

KALOCSA & PECS

One of the most thrilling aspects of a cruise is waking up somewhere new, and theres a real sense of excitement as we explore lands unknown to many until the Iron Curtain lifted. Hungary itself has so much to offer; situated at a crossroads in central Europe, its a mesmerising blend of European and Ottoman influences, rich in culture and history. Our adventure begins this morning when we arrive in Kalocsa, a city whose 1,000-year-old lore swirls with tales of warlike bishops, saintly kings, rampaging Ottomans and Magyar heroes. Among its fine buildings youll discover an impressive Baroque cathedral and the grand Archbishops Palace, with its Ceremonial Hall displaying a replica of the Hungarian holy crown. You can choose to enjoy a walking tour of the town seeing the sights plus the fascinating Paprika Museum; the region is one of the biggest producers of the seasoning thats an essential part of Hungarian cuisine goulash being a famous example. There are many types and strengths of red gold, but the best variety is said to come from here, due to its rich colour and robust flavour. Alternatively we take the short drive to a paprika house on the outskirts of the town to learn more about its production before continuing on a scenic drive into the Puszta, Hungarys Great Plain, a hauntingly atmospheric prairie whose spirit is burnt into the Magyar soul. Stretching as far as the eye can see, it is home to villages seemingly frozen in time, while Hungarian grey cattle, spiral-horned sheep and buffalo graze on its pastures. The Puszta is also famed for its horses, and we visit an equestrian farm to watch a performance by some of the regions most skilled riders. Youll have the opportunity to take a horse-drawn carriage ride and experience this unique wilderness from a different perspective.

We return to the ship for lunch as our elegant vessel seamlessly glides away from her mooring. Later well drive to the delightful city of Pcs, one of the many gems waiting to be discovered on this cruise, and its all the more engaging because so few have heard of it. Its a wonderful cultural and artistic mlange reflecting the many peoples who, over time, have held sway in this region. Nestling against the verdant slopes of the Mecsek mountains, its almost Mediterranean climate yields a fertile harvest of fruits and almonds. This afternoon as we tourthe rambling streets,discover a 4th-century Christian mausoleum now a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a former mosque turned into a Catholic church, the ruins of Turkish baths, the magnificent cathedral and the Zsolnay Porcelain Museum. Later we return to our ship for a welcome drink with the Captain in the lounge before descending the elegant staircase to the restaurant for a special Welcome Dinner.

Pecs Pecs

DAY 3BELGRADE

BELGRADE

This morning we arrive in historic Belgrade. The only European capital built at the confluence of two rivers, the city has been fought over numerous times, most recently during the Second World War and the Kosovo War, when it faced months of NATO airstrikes. Dramatically sited overlooking both rivers is Kalemegdan Park, which includes in its grounds the citys iconic fortress, a stronghold built by the Celts, expanded by the Romans and besieged over a hundred times during its history all detailed in its military museum. Despite its past, Belgrade is now a revitalised and forward-looking city and a delightful and varied place to explore, with delicate Art Nouveau facades tucked away among the stark concrete towers of the Communist era. We enjoy a guided tour, seeing all the main sights such as the cathedral, Republic Square and Prince Michael Street with its wealth of 19th-century buildings, some bearing the scars of recent conflicts among their intricate Habsburg ornamentation. After lunch, you are free to explore this fascinating capital, still one of the least visited in Europe. Maybe youd like to wander the Old Towns lattice of winding streets, pausing for a welcome drink in one of the grand coffee houses or visit the bubbling bohemian quarter, which is being transformed into a 21st-century cultural hub by an influx of creative talent.

As the evening draws in, relax with a stroll or a drink on the Sun Deck before tonights culinary delights.

Belgrade city by the river at night Belgrade city by the river at night

DAY 4IRON GATES GORGE

IRON GATES GORGE

For many, today will be a highlight of the cruise as we begin our passage through the magnificent Iron Gates Gorge. One of the most memorable stretches of the Danube, this is where the river cuts its mighty path between the Carpathian and Balkan mountain ranges, forming part of the boundary between Serbia and Romania. The true Iron Gates is a single narrow gorge, but the name covers an entire 83-mile stretch of valleys where towering limestone cliffs plunge into the depths below. During the 1960s and 70s, two hydroelectric power stations were built here and their dams raised the river level by over 100 feet, submerging a number of historic settlements. We pass through the Great Kazan, meaning cauldron, where the river narrows to just 500 feet. As the Captain skilfully steers us through, youll see the huge sculpture of a Romanian hero Decebalus carved into the rock. Created in the 1990s, at over 130 feet high it is the largest rock relief in Europe it even dwarfs the US presidents at Mount Rushmore. Decebalus was the last king of Dacia, the kingdom stretching from the Carpathians to the Black Sea. A warrior through and through, he fought the Roman Empire in three campaigns before the Emperor Trajan got the better of him. Decebalus fled into the Carpathians, taking his own life rather than being captured.

On a day like this, the spacious Sun Deck comes into its own. Watch the spectacular scenery drift by from the comfort of a sun lounger or maybe enjoy a drink with new friends. You may even find an ice cream being served on the Bow Deck, which is beautifully attired with soft furnishings and stylish wooden fittings.

Iron Gates Gorge Iron Gates Gorge

DAY 5PLEVEN

PLEVEN

By now youll have come to appreciate the luxuries on board your five-star ship little touches from complimentary dressing gowns and slippers to plush carpets in the corridors and the marble-topped bar. Crossing the border into Bulgaria tonight, you awake in Nikopol, a town dating back to Roman times, and after breakfast we drive across the Danubian Plain to Pleven. Surrounded by several thousand acres of parks and forest, the town is famed as the scene of a major siege in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877. The joint Russian and Romanian army took five months to take the town, partly because the defending Turks were the first in European history to use repeating rifles. Pleven was a decisive battle, leading to the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the restoration of Bulgaria as a state and the independence of Romania. Opened to commemorate the battles centenary, the Pleven Panorama tells the story of this engagement through a series of moving photographs and canvasses. We enjoy some free time here, so perhaps visit the St George Chapel Mausoleum, a memorial to the soldiers killed during the siege, or one of the towns many other museums. Or simply wander the Old Town and enjoy the tranquillity of its pedestrian-only streets.

During lunch we slip our moorings for an afternoons cruising, so why not enjoy the invigorating river breeze up on the Sun Deck? It will soon be time for dinner, so reconvene with your fellow travellers for an aperitif in the bar.

Svetlin Rusev Donative Exhibition, Pleven Svetlin Rusev Donative Exhibition, Pleven

DAY 6BUCHAREST

BUCHAREST

Today we visit Bucharest, with its tree-lined boulevards and elegant belle-poque villas echoes of the hedonistic 1900s when it earned the nickname Little Paris dotted among the utilitarian architectural legacy of Communist rule. Dominating the capital city of Romania, though, is the astonishing Palace of the Parliament, a colossal concrete extravagance commissioned by the Communist dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu. Started in 1984 and still unfinished, it is the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon so big that only 400 of the 1,100 rooms are used. Furnished with all the gaudiness expected from a heartless despot at the head of a bankrupt state, from marble staircases to mosaics and chandeliers, to some its a marvel, to others a monument to vanity.

On our guided tour we see the Palace of the Parliament, which really has to be seen to be believed, and the citys other main sights, such as the former royal palace now the national art museum and the Athenaeum with its impressive Baroque cupola and remarkable acoustics. There are also some superb Orthodox churches and squares, including Revolution Square, named after the 1989 uprising that swept away Ceausescus regime.

Theres also time to explore this vibrant city under your own steam. Lunch isnt included today, so seek out a cosy restaurant in the Old Town for a fortifying plate of traditional meatballs, generously spiced with garlic, dill and parsley; freshly stuffed peppers or a hearty vegetable and dumpling soup.

We return to the ship with time to relax before dinner. Perhaps borrow a board game or novel from the library or book yourself in for a manicure or pedicure at the on-board Hair and Nail Salon.

Parliament Building, Bucharest Parliament Building, Bucharest

DAY 7DANUBE DELTA

DANUBE DELTA

Overnight we cruise towards the city of Tulcea, clinging to seven hills overlooking the river and regarded as the gateway to the vast Danube Delta on the edge of the Black Sea. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Danube Delta is the best preserved and second largest river delta in Europe, consisting of 2,200 square miles of rivers, marshes, tree-fringed lakes and reed islands, where nearly 3,500 animal and fish species, and 1,700 types of plant, make their home. A bird-watchers paradise, the maze of canals bordered by willows and oaks offers the perfect breeding ground for countless species. Millions of Egyptian white pelicans arrive here every spring to raise their young, while equal numbers of Arctic geese come to escape the harsh Northern European winters. Keep an eye out for cormorants and white-tailed eagles. After lunch, we disembark to take an excursion on smaller boats into the heart of this inspirational and tranquil place. Our guide helps to point out some of the fascinating flora and fauna you could spot a colourful kingfisher or a catfish darting beneath the waters glassy surface.

As dusk begins to fall on this magical landscape, we slip our moorings again. Enjoy another delicious dinner, maybe tonight choosing a more intimate dining experience in the Bistro at the stern.

Pelicans by the Danube Delta Pelicans by the Danube Delta

DAY 8CONSTANTA

CONSTANTA

Today we begin our return passage, but these lands still have so much to reveal. Hold on to your hat up on deck, as this area is well known for its windy weather and windmills were once a common sight. Watch the rocky shoreline drift by, dotted with the occasional ruined fortress. We depart for the ancient city of Constanta, described by the Roman poet Ovid as the end of the world and with a history dating back over 2,500 years. Originally known as Tomis, it is said that Jason landed here with the Argonauts after finding the Golden Fleece. Situated on several trade routes, it became a thriving commercial centre during Roman times and still is today. Numerous remains from Greek and Roman times are on display in the citys archaeological and mosaics museums, the latter housing the largest an impressive 9,150 square feet and best-preserved Roman mosaic in the world. Constantas landmark is the Art Nouveau casino, with its views of the Black Sea. Now unused, it was built by the Romanian King Carol I, who hoped its construction would transform the city into a bathing resort for the elite during the inter-war years, something that never quite transpired. More recently, it became one end of the shortest navigable route between the North and Black Seas when the Main-Danube Canal opened in 1992.

There is free time to explore, so perhaps visit one of the museums or simply enjoy the sea air with a portside walk.

Old Casino in Constanta Old Casino in Constanta

DAY 9VELIKO TARNOVO, ARBANASSI & IVANOVO

VELIKO TARNOVO, ARBANASSI & IVANOVO

Crossing into Bulgaria, we arrive in Rousse, a city known as Little Vienna for its wealth of fine 19th-century buildings. A scenic drive brings us to possibly Bulgarias most beautiful city Veliko Tarnovo, the City of the Tsars and former capital, located in a rugged landscape entangled by the meanderings of the Yantra River. Its Old Town is clustered on three hills with its houses stacked on steeply sided valleys, while the remains of the once-impregnable fortress complex stands on Tsarevets Hill. Within the walls of this redoubt are the ruins of the Tsars Palace and, at the summit, the Patriarchs Palace, which includes the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Ascension of God. Much of Veliko Tarnovo was destroyed by the Ottomans, but in the 19th century it became an important trading centre again. Tucked away in its picturesque cobbled streets are tiny workshops, where you can watch copper pots being beaten or wooden utensils skilfully carved. It is delightful to wander here, keeping an eye out for interesting traditional snacks to try, admiring the architecture while soaking up the atmosphere.

Later we head to the village of Arbanassi, set high on a plateau. During Ottoman times, it became a commercial centre for traders and their caravans, crammed with wares bound for places as distant as Italy, Russia and even India. Perhaps visit one of the richly ornamented mansion houses of the period, with their fortress-like stone walls, or the unassuming Church of the Nativity once inside youll be dazzled by the intensely coloured frescoes.

We end the day with a visit to the Churches of Ivanovo, a fascinating complex of churches, chapels and monasteries hewn into the solid rock during the 12th century and with frescoes dating back to the 14th century, so exquisite and historically significant they are now on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Veliko Tarnovo Old Town Veliko Tarnovo Old Town

DAY 10BELOGRADCHIK

BELOGRADCHIK

This morning why not take a cup of coffee up on deck and soak up the spectacular open spaces of this landscape, where thick woods of fragrant pine and silver fir cling to the banks, forming a hazy outline on the distant horizon? After lunch we moor in Vidin, home to the Baba Vidin, the only entirely preserved medieval fortress in the country. From here, we drive into this rugged wilderness and suddenly the horizon is dotted with huge sandstone cliffs, in a spectrum of orange-reds and yellows, eroded into huge, bizarre shapes. These are the Belogradchik Rocks unique and dramatic, they cover an area of 35 square miles, some reaching as high as 600 feet. Many of these gigantic natural sculptures are named after people or objects they are thought to resemble, while others are associated with colourful legends.

We return to the ship for dinner. Later on, maybe enjoy a drink in the lounge with your companions while the resident pianist plays gentle melodies.

Cliff rocks near ancient Kaleto fortress, Belogradchik Cliff rocks near ancient Kaleto fortress, Belogradchik

DAY 11IRON GATES & LEPENSKI VIR

IRON GATES & LEPENSKI VIR

This mornings cruising brings us once again to the dramatic splendour of the Iron Gates Gorge, at the heart of Serbias Djerdap National Park. The gorge was cut out of the Carpathian mountains over millions of years as the Danube drained the Pannonian Sea. Among the parks forests of ancient oak, hazel and beech lies a rich preserve of game, including deer and wild boar. Mountain goats roam the rocky cliffs of Djerdap Kazan, while bears, wolves, foxes and wildcats populate the dense woodland. Keep an eye out for eagles and falcons, too. Why not enjoy the splendour of this stretch of the river from a sun lounger on deck or through the panoramic windows in the ships lounge?

This afternoon we moor in Donji Milanovac and take the short drive to Lepenski Vir, one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe, dating back to 9,500 BC. It consists of a series of Mesolithic villages located on a high terrace overlooking the Danube. The wooden houses were laid out in a fan shape and used one of the first types of concrete as their foundations, while their floors were made of sandstone, often covered with limestone plaster and decorated with red and white pigments. Our guided tour will reveal more about this fascinating place and how these ancient people lived.

Iron Gates Gorge Iron Gates Gorge

DAY 12NOVI SAD

NOVI SAD

The numerous fortresses along the Danube are reminders that the area has been fought over for centuries and this morning we pass one of the most impressive the medieval Smederevo Fortress. After a lazy day we moor in Novi Sad, Serbias second-largest city, in the shadow of the Fruska Gora mountain, its fertile slopes terraced with vineyards. The climate and the proximity to the Danube make this region ideal for wine production, particularly Riesling, but there are many others produced here including Bermet, a vermouth-like dessert wine with a unique aromatic sweetness. Enjoy a guided tour of this vibrant city which flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries, becoming known as the Athens of Serbia. See its old Town Hall on the impressive main square, flanked by lovely 19th-century architecture, its ancient castle and synagogue. Towering over it all is the mighty Petrovaradin Fortress with its complex system of underground tunnels. The minute and hour hands of its iconic clock face are reversed, supposedly so that fishermen could still tell the time at a distance. You can learn more about the fortress and its history at its museum.

We moor here this evening, so why not enjoy an after-dinner stroll and take in the relaxed ambience of this lovely city?

Bridge over the river, Novi Sad Bridge over the river, Novi Sad

DAY 13OSIJEK & VUKOVAR

OSIJEK & VUKOVAR

Today we cross into Croatia and stop in Vukovar, the countrys largest river port, located at the confluence of the Danube and Vuka Rivers. Vukovar boasted a prosperous manufacturing industry and a picturesque Baroque centre until the tragic events of the civil war unfolded, and the city was almost completely destroyed. Renovation to restore the city to its former glory is very much ongoing.

Here we enjoy a guided tour, seeing the main sights and learning about the citys tumultuous past. We then drive to the historic city of Osijek, which hugs the banks of the River Drava. We explore the Old Town behind its thick stone walls lies an intriguing market square, lined by handsome public buildings with pastel-coloured facades. In the Upper City youll see the neo-Gothic cathedral, its red-brick spire soaring above the rooftops. Much of Osijek has been restored, but some buildings still bear the scars of the fighting.

This evening we cross into Hungary again, as the chef presents tonights appetising menu.

Osijek city reflected in the River Drva Osijek city reflected in the River Drva

DAY 14BUDAPEST

BUDAPEST

As gentle pastoral landscapes slip by, Budapests brooding skyline comes into view once more. Straddling the Danube, this imperial capital is a collage of palatial buildings, grand domes and attractive Baroque churches with soaring spires. From Roman ruins to Ottoman Turkish baths and elegant Art Nouveau facades, the eclectic mix of architectural styles reflects the citys varied history, with numerous foreign powers ruling here over the centuries. We enjoy a guided tour, seeing all the main sights of this lovely city including the iconic Parliament Building, the National Gallery with its huge collection of Hungarian masterpieces, and the Matthias Church with its intricate rose windows. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps head back to the Castle District to take in the panoramic views or explore one of the citys many museums and galleries.

The Captains Dinner is served this evening, with a superb menu reflecting the countries and regions we have visited. As the sun sets on this memorable city, retire to the bar with your fellow travellers to reflect on all you have seen during this exceptional cruise.

Budapest Chain Bridge Budapest Chain Bridge

DAY 15RETURN HOME

RETURN HOME

Today at the appropriate time you return to the airport for your return flight.